The Duke of Edinburgh Bermuda organisation has been chosen as beneficiary of the annual gala fundraising event to be held by the 100 Women in Finance networking group of professionals working in the finance industry.

The 100WF group will host the Bermuda Summer Sunset event at Sandymount in Bailey’s Bay on Saturday.

100WF’s global philanthropy theme for 2019 is education, focusing on the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths, the organisation said.

Net proceeds from the gala will support the DoE award in Bermuda, allowing female students to set sail on a five-day skills voyage aboard the Spirit of Bermuda, and male and female public-school students to participate in ConnecTech robotics and coding classes.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bermuda is a fun-filled and flexible programme for young people between the ages of 14 and 25, a statement said.

The programme fosters personal growth and teaches motivation, commitment, leadership, teamwork, self-discovery, and achievement of one’s full potential through participation in challenging and non-competitive activities of community service, personal skills, physical recreation and adventurous journeys.

Introduced to Bermuda by the Chamber of Commerce in 1967, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was offered initially to boy scouts, rangers and youth ministries. Today, Bermuda has one of the highest DoE participation rates per capita worldwide, with approximately 10,000 people having participated in the award since its introduction to the island. Bermuda is one of only 12 countries to currently serve on the international award council with HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex.

The popularity of the award in Bermuda is testament to the universal appeal of the programme, whose core values lie in the development of confident, motivated, committed, disciplined and skilled young people who are able to make informed, critical decisions and exercise their rights as citizens by contributing positively to society, the statement said.

Alison Morrison, 100WF Bermuda chairwoman, said: “We are delighted to be hosting our third 100 Women in Finance gala and are pleased to welcome our global chief executive officer, Amanda Pullinger, to this year’s event. The Bermuda membership continues to grow and with over 300 members now we are delighted to have such strong support within the financial-services sector.” Jovanna Douglas, chairwoman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said: “I would like to thank the 100 Women in Finance for their support. Participation in the award helps to develop future leaders and empowers young people to determine their own definition of success.”

Law firm Walkers is the event’s platinum sponsor, with Butterfield Bank the gold level sponsor. Other sponsors are KPMG, MUFG, Zurich Re and IFP.

Celebrations on Saturday begin at 6.30pm featuring local drinks, cuisine, and dancing.

Details can be found at https://100women.org/event/bermuda-gala-2019/